FISH History Volume 1. Years 1 - 5

Ryan Westhafer

May 14, 2019

History of the FISH

Fall, 1991 – Summer, 1996

The FISH started as an extension of the Franklin Glen Gator summer team, which swims in the Colonial League in Northern Virginia. Coach Ray volunteered his services to the Franklin Glen Gators, coaching his oldest son, Steven, who was 3 at the time, along with 9 of his 8 and under buddies. They would meet every evening at the pool.

Upon conclusion of their summer season, several parents approached Coach Ray and asked if he could start a program over the winter. They were interested in a program not only for the swimmers that he coached during the summer, but also their older brothers and sisters.

Spring Hill Rec Center was relatively new, and the FISH were able to get some pool time.

They began their inaugural year with 28 swimmers.

Notable Accomplishments:

Elizabeth Cooper became the first FISH to qualify for Junior Nationals.

She still holds some FISH team records:

13-14 Girls 200 breaststroke 2:45.42 LCM Elizabeth Cooper

13-14 Girls 100 breaststroke 1:06.75 SCY Elizabeth Cooper

200 breaststroke 2:24.69 SCY Elizabeth Cooper

Steven Benecki also still holds some FISH team records

6 & u Boys 100 freestyle 1:40.22 LCM Steven Benecki

200 freestyle 3:40.95 LCM Steven Benecki

100 I.M. 1:46.27 SCY Steven Benecki

By the end of their 5th year, the FISH had grown to approximately 150 swimmers.